“We polled the people and they spoke with their dollars,” stated NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson, referring to a recent contest the promotion set-up to find out which part of Maine ticket buyers would most like to see the next NEF show. “The response from both areas was overwhelming and the margin of difference between ‘the two Maine’s’ was too close for us to comfortably make winners and losers out of so many great MMA fans. So, we officially called the contest a draw and are committed to traveling to the North and to the South this summer with a stop off in-between at the end of the season for good measure. Once school has ended for the year, we’re taking a summer fight tour of Vacationland that you won’t want to miss!”

NEF has hosted six MMA cards since making its debut in February 2012 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee located in Lewiston, Maine. NEF has developed a successful relationship with that facility, with its shows drawing an average of more than 3,000 fans to Lewiston.

In addition, NEF played a promotional role as the California-based Bellator MMA — the nation’s second-largest mixed martial arts organization — brought a nationally televised card to Lewiston last month that also was well attended.

“Since NEF first formed, we’ve remained dedicated to bringing our thrilling brand of MMA to every part of the state of Maine and beyond in order to give sports fans the opportunity to see an event live,” stated NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Nothing compares to seeing the action upfront and in-person and we’re excited to take to the road this summer to give people the chance to check out an event close to home, no matter where you live in Maine.”

NEF’s next event is May 18th at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. The main event is scheduled to feature Maine MMA legend Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis (21-9) battling Darrius Heyliger (4-1). The co-main event will see UFC veteran Henry Martinez (9-5) squaring off with Dez Green (8-1) for the Maine State Lightweight Title. Also on the main card, Travis “The Showstopper” Bartlett (8-3) meets Randy “The Wolf” Smith (14-13-1) for the Maine State Heavyweight Title. Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event, visit www.NewEnglandFights.com. You can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”